Woman sought after dog allegedly hanged in North York

Woman sought after dog allegedly hanged in North York

The operator of a dog rescue company is wanted by police for allegedly hanging a dog inside Toronto Animal Services in North York.

On Aug. 24, police allege a woman walked into Toronto Animal Services on Sheppard Avenue, east of Keele Street, with a Shar Pei male adult dog for the purpose of handing the animal over to the facility.

She then killed it by hanging it from a leash she had brought. The woman then left the scene.

Police said employees managed to bring the dog down but he was already dead.

An investigation by Toronto Animal Services was conducted internally before police were called in December.

Rita Mueller, 50, of Bolton, is wanted for killing or injuring an animal; cause or permit unnecessary pain and disobey court order.

She is described as white, 5’4, 115 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She frequents Peel Region and the City of Barrie.

Mueller also operates a dog rescue company called Scooby’s Dog House and Rescue in Caledon.

Police are concerned she may be in possession of other animals who may be in danger.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-3100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.